ABO Gear's Dog Haus Gets 4 Paws Up!
Sometimes circumstances require that one must be in two places at the same time. In dog trialing, it can mean a choice between one dog show vs. another. I've had a few occasions recently where I've set up my crates and gear at one show but needed it the next day someplace else and then back again to the first location. Insane, I know! I opted to try the "Instent Dog Haus" by ABO Gear as an alternative when I don't need a long term set-up. I LOVE IT! It's definitely not as solid as my X-Series soft crates (that I also love) but it is SO EASY AND FAST to set up and tear down! It has really been what I've needed in a pinch. It's lightweight, portable, big enough for 2 dogs and with the silver coating, stays relatively cool with just an umbrella for shade.
Here are some things to note:
First off, this kind of crate can only be used for dogs who are easy keepers in soft crates. The mesh is nice and small for keeping bugs out, but the fabric and mesh might be too thin for a dog who paws at the door or windows.
I highly recommend staking this tent down on all 4 corners. (Four stakes come with it.) The tent is so light that even a dog who leans hard on the side could tip it over. It happened once to us, but fortunately I was there to fix it quickly and my dog wasn't upset by it.
The windows can be rolled up for ventilation or left down for visual privacy. There are windows on all 3 sides and a mesh ventilation at the top. The front door also has the option of mesh or solid, which is pretty unusual and can be very handy.
A blanket comes with the tent, sized to fit perfectly with Velcro strips on the bottom to attach to the floor.
This tent is so easy to put up and tear down! It probably takes less than a minute to set up and maybe 2 minutes to pack it back up again, case and all. I leave the blanket attached and prefer to leave the top fly off to allow for a bit more ventilation.
There isn't anywhere inside the tent to hang a water bucket. Rather than having something that the dogs can step on and easily tip over, I use one of the outer straps and hang a bucket so the door zipper closes just underneath.
Overall size is approximately 42"x42" at the base and maybe 36" tall, so the footprint is a little bit bigger than your average soft or solid crate. As long as you have the space and a dog who is good in a soft crate, the Dog Haus can be a great option!
I just wanted to post a follow-up on this tent. I've had the chance to use it several times, and the only negative I can find is that the window mesh is too soft, but I knew that going in. My dogs are not inclined to try and get out of crates, but on one occasion a bit of excitement caused the mesh door to tear. I think I can fix it, but for now I'm just using the solid door option. Besides that I've got to say I still love this tent! It's so convenient for quick set ups and is light enough to carry over the shoulder with other gear and avoid the extra trips to the car.
I have this tent, I love it. I think it keeps the dogs cooler due to the material. I fit 2 Border Collies in mine so no need to bring as many crates. The set up/tear down is super easy and I have yet to need to stake it down as my dogs are pop-up crate trained too. I agree the mesh is too light, I have a few holes just from catching on dog nails as they lay at the door with their paws rubbing against it. I use it for disc dog trials, so it's always outside on the grass, so the larger footprint isn't an issue and like I said, I put 2 dogs in it (35 & 45 lbs). No need for easy ups either, as it's perfect for rainy weather too!